Overview
- Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul's mayor and a leading opposition figure, was arrested on charges of corruption and alleged support for terrorism, following the annulment of his university degree.
- Protests erupted in at least 32 provinces across Turkey, with demonstrators clashing with police in Istanbul and Ankara, leading to injuries and arrests.
- The Turkish government declared the protests illegal, banned gatherings in major cities, and imposed temporary social media restrictions, which were lifted late Thursday night.
- Opposition leader Özgür Özel has called for continued nationwide protests, urging citizens to take to the streets in defiance of government bans.
- President Erdogan criticized the opposition's actions, accusing them of political theatrics, while concerns grow over democratic freedoms and the upcoming presidential election.